This session provided an overview of the role of Codex Alimentarius in influencing global regulations and promoting global regulatory harmonization. Nick Gardner explains the foundations of Codex Alimentarius and summarizes recent developments of interest to the spice industry, including discussions on country of harvest labeling and contaminant standards. He also examined the potential ramifications of the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization and how this may influence the U.S.'s role in international food policy.

Denise Eblen, Deputy Administrator for the USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) provided an update on recall and public health alert trends. She emphasized the undeclared allergens, pathogens, and extraneous matter remain the leading causes of recalls and alerts. She also outlined FSIS’s plans to revise internal directives to better align with recent FDA guidance on allergens and ingredient labeling.